MediaBytes - 06.22.07

 

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BLINKX is planning to launch a new online video ad platform. The system is called AdHoc, and it will use audio recognition to place targeted ads inside and next to online video. AdHoc is expected to be announced on Monday.

VERIZON’s FiOS TV service will fail to comply with the FCC mandate to offer CableCARD-ready set-top boxes by July 1st. The company submitted a request for exemption from the deadline in July 2006, but the FCC has not yet ruled on the request. Verizon is “hopeful” they will get the exemption.

CABLEVISION said it will have the capacity to offer 500 HD channels by the end of the year, using switched-digital-video technology. The cable operator will add 15 new high-def channels from VOOM HD Networks on June 26, bringing its total HD channel count to 40.

INTERNET RADIO STATIONS are planning a Day of Silence on Tuesday to protest the pending rate increases by the Copyright Royalty Board. Thousands of Internet radio stations will shut down for the day, including stations from YAHOO, MTV ONLINE, and RHAPSODY. On July 15th, royalty payments are due at the increased rates — including retroactive payments for the last 17 months. Many stations will be forced to shut down.

NBCU is planning to make the 2008 Summer Olympics the Broadband Olympics. The network will offer over 1,000 hours of live streaming media on a dedicated web site. Executive Officer Bob Wright said that NBCU is “going for multi-platform coverage” — offering content for TV, computers, and handheld devices.